SANDS & MOERS (No.2)

This matter concerned an application by the father and mother of a child, born 16 January 2002, for orders regarding supervised contact. The proceedings were before Judge Brown.

The court was required to determine the terms upon which the mother would be permitted to spend time with the child, following a period of suspension of previous contact orders. This involved assessing the suitability of both parents for supervised contact and establishing a framework for such contact, including reporting and expense.

Judge Brown ordered that prior to 1 December 2013, both parents were to enrol at a specified Children's Contact Centre to assess their suitability for supervised contact. If deemed suitable, the mother was to have six supervised contact visits with the child at the centre, fortnightly, commencing after 1 December 2013. These visits were to be at the mother's expense, supervised by the Centre's Director or nominee, and not exceed two hours each. A report on the progress of these visits, including the demeanour and conduct of the child and mother, was to be prepared at the mother's expense. All previous orders allowing the mother to spend time with the child were suspended until further order, and the proceedings were adjourned.